Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote says he is humbled after being compared to Chelsea star Michael Essien.
The 24-year-old Ivorian has been impressive as a midfield enforcer for the Magpies since joining in the summer from FC Twente and hopes one day he can surpass the man he has been weighed against.
"Obviously, I'm only young, but to be compared to Michael Essien is quite a compliment,†he said.
"I'm very proud to be spoken of like that. I've always watched Michael Essien as a role model in midfield and one day I hope to be as good as him — or even better!"
Tiote added that playing in the Premier League is like realizing a dream and thanked former Twente boss Steve McLaren for pushing him in the right direction.
"Back in Holland, I always watched the Premier League and I really enjoyed watching it, so to now be playing in it is an achievement for me,†he added.
"My manager at FC Twente was Steve McClaren, and he said to me that my style is suited to the English game, so as soon as Newcastle were interested, I jumped at the possibility of playing for them."